Raul Rodriguez, MD, DABPN, DABAM, MRO
In October 2010, the FDA approved the use of extended-release injectable naltrexone (brand name Vivitrol) for the treatment of opioid dependence. Originally approved in 2006 for the treatment of alcohol dependence, this recent update has added another tool for medical professionals in the treatment of substance abuse and addiction.
Advantages of Naltrexone
• The extended-release injectable naltrexone can be administered monthly as opposed to a daily regimen of pills and ingestible medications.
• Naltrexone is widely available. There is no need to go to a special clinic or search for a specially trained physician.
• Because naltrexone does not provide a ‘high’, SAMHSA reports that there is no potential for abuse.
How does it work?
Naltrexone is classified as an ‘antagonist’, a medication that blocks the opioid receptors. It prevents these receptors from being activated by compounds such as heroin or opioid-based medications. In fact, it has been reported that naltrexone actually reduces the cravings for opioids and prevents relapses.
Considerations
Common adverse side effects include injection site pain, cold symptoms, insomnia, nausea, cramps dizziness and others. The FDA warns that naltrexone may adversely affect the liver and further research is underway to determine long-term sided effects relating to the liver. Patients who continue to use opioids while taking naltrexone risk accidental overdose and death.
Who will benefit?
Naltrexone is suitable for people who are highly motivated to achieve and sustain abstinence, as well as for those with a high relapse potential immediately after detoxification.
SAMHSA reports that patients have better success rates when medication-assisted treatment is combined with individual and group therapy. It is important to work with a medical professional experienced in the treatment of substance abuse and addiction to determine the appropriate treatment program and medications.
Adapted from: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2012). An Introduction to Extended-Release Injectable Naltexone for the Treatment of People with Opioid Dependence. Advisory, Volume 11, Issue 1. For more information, visit www.samhsa.gov.
Recovery Tip of the Month
When people think of trying to quit ‘forever’ it seems impossible. Remember that you six months from now will be a different you, with different understanding, awareness, perception and value. What’s needed is to maintain basic sobriety and self-reflection on a daily basis until this new you emerges.
–Anni Johnston, LMHC, BC-DMT
Chili Cook-Off Winner a Member of The Delray Center Community
Neil H.
On Saturday, February 18th, Delray Beach hosted its 15th Annual Chili Cook-off at the Green Market on 4th Street directly in front of the Center’s buildings 1 and 3. Entered into the competition were about 20 or so contestants, among them myself, bringing their own versions of chili to compete in three categories – Traditional, New Age, and Vegetarian. Having only arrived in Delray Beach not more than three weeks ago, I looked forward to joining the festivities to flaunt my culinary prowess and get to know the neighborhood. Being a professional chef, I kept myself focused on my own chili, ensuring I served the best dish I could. However I became too focused and seemed to lose all sense of the true meaning of the contest – to bring the community together. This was eradicated very quickly and early on when I observed clients and staff from the Center out there to support me. Some came to see if I needed help in serving or cleanup and others to just enjoy and take part in something I hold very dear to me. My sister and brother-in-law who were aiding me in the preparations and service were also proud to see the Center’s family welcome me in. In the end, I won both 1st place in Peoples’ Choice and Chefs’ Choice in the New Age category with my Gosht Channa Chili (Lamb and Chickpeas). However, the true rewards were the feelings of support, confidence, and family the clients and staff of the Center exhibited. I felt a sense of belonging and a part of a community, not just with the Center, but with the town as well. The days that followed proved to reaffirm these feelings as people congratulated me in every building of the Center, even bringing in framed photographs for me to share with my family at home. The weekend was a success on many levels.
The Sun Never Says
Even
after
all this time
the sun never says to the earth,
” You owe me.”
Look
what happens
with a love like that -
It lights the whole world.
- Hafiz
Words of Wisdom
A Client Submission
As a user or abuser, whether it be alcohol, drugs, food, gambling or any of a myriad of self-satisfying habits, brings to mind (however feeble that may be) of a boxer for example. A boxer goes to battle with a determined opponent much as an abuser gets in the ring with his or her personal opponent. The boxer has a manager and trainers to prepare him or her to do the best possible he or she can do to beat said opponent. So too, the abuser must take the advice and lessons taught by their trainers, i.e. the Delray Center for Healing providers such as psychiatrists, psychologists and others trained to help us. Notice I said ‘help us’. However, when we get in the ring as does the boxer, we (and I mean we) must do the fighting. Deep within ourselves, we must draw out strength and determination. That’s how the boxer wins and that’s how we can win. From personal experience, I can tell you that there is no satisfaction and happiness quite like that given to us by our own efforts and dedication. So let’s get with it folks and give it our best shot.
The Delray Center for Healing welcomes client contributions to the monthly newsletter. Please submit short articles and poems to your treatment provider. Not all articles will be selected for printing and submitted material may be edited for length or content.
Delray Center Supports Team MATT13 in the MADD Walk
Erin Principe
A few weeks ago I was able to be a part of remembering Matt Montenegro. Matt was Dr. R’s nephew, Jenny’s cousin, and Mel’s brother. Although I only met Matt a few times, he touched my heart. Over 200 of Matt’s closest family and friends walked in his honor; proof that his love for others and warm smile will always live on. Mel, our Team Captain was enthusiastic about the turnout. “I want to personally thank everyone who came out and supported the MADD walk in honor of my brother. My family and I really appreciate all of the support. I hope that we can all continue to support the MADD organization for years to come. This year our team raised $7,263.43, which put us at the top of the fundraising chart”.
Why Does MADD Do a Walk?
Because far too much work needs to be done to eliminate drunk driving, prevent underage drinking and serve victims. Did you know?
- Last year, 10,839 people died in drunk-driving crashes – one every 50 minutes.
- Every minute, one person is injured from an alcohol-related crash.
- One in three people will be involved in an alcohol-related crash in their lifetime.
- MADD serves a victim or survivor of drunk driving every 9 minutes.
- Teen alcohol use kills about 6,000 people each year, more than all illegal drugs combined.
- Car crashes are the leading cause of death for teens, and one out of three of those is alcohol related.
Every step taken raised funds and awareness for MADD’s programs and services that will serve to keep our children and communities safe. It’s not too late to contribute, you can still make a difference – just go to www.madd.org and make your donation.
March Announcements
- Delray Center March Adventure -
All clients are invited to
Morikami
Museum and Japanese Gardens
Friday, March 16th 12:00 pm
Cost is $13 – please register with Care Support on or before March 12th.
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HELP SPREAD THE WORD….
We’re calling upon YOU, our Delray Center clients, to help us create video testimonials about how the Delray Center programs or staff have helped you. If you would like to help, please ask our staff to submit your name. Anyone who is selected for the video testimonial will receive a
$25 gift card to a local restaurant!
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The Delray Center for Healing is proud to announce that our long-time colleague, Jennifer Bilot has earned her Ph.D. Congratulations Dr. Bilot!!
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Connected Warriors: Free Yoga for Vets
The Sacred Treehouse offers a free one-hour yoga class on Mondays at 6:00 pm. This class is open to all veterans. For more information, call 561.243.9696.
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Spin, spin, spin at Performance Fitness
SPINCORE Indoor Cycling
Monday, Wednesday & Friday
8:30 – 9:15 am
$18 per class – package rates available
First time participants please arrive at 8:15 for
a brief orientation.
NOTE: All Delray Center clients must obtain therapist approval before participating.
